Agra Fort is a large 16th-century fortress that was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Akbar as a military base and a royal residence. It was the seat of government for a short period during Akbar’s reign of India from 1560-1571. Akbar was the grandfather of Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal.

Agra Fort made of Red Sandstone

A massive complex Agra Fort is where Akbar set up government offices, residences, and public meeting spaces from 1560-1571. The Fort which is in the same style as Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi reflects the architectural use of red sandstone by Mughals in India.

Diwani – i Am – Hall of Public Audience

Because the fort was used as a seat of government many areas in the fort served as office spaces where the public could attend hearings and confer with government officials. Here in the Hall of Public Audience (Diwan-i-ʿAm), the emperor would listen to public petitions and meet state officials.

The Khas Mahal – the private residences

The elegant marble structure of the Khas Mahal was the emperor’s private palace where walls were once adorned with flowers that were inlaid with precious gems. Over time these gems were looted mostly by the British when they conquered India.

Sheesh Mahal – the Palace of Mirrors

On the northeast corner of the fort is the grand Palace of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal). Its walls and ceilings are inlaid with thousands of small mirrors and the structure’s two sparkling chambers were used as the boudoir by the queens.

The prison at Agra Fort

The most infamous use of the fort is as a prison for Emperor Shah Jahān, who was the Moghul King who built the Taj Mahal . Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan’s son had his father imprisoned after a coup and imprisoned him at the fort from 1658 until Shah Jahan’s death in 1666.

The story goes that the only request Emperor Shah Jahan asked of his son when he was imprisoned is that he be in a room with a view of the Taj Mahal where his beloved wife Mumtaz was buried.

The impressive Agra Fort

Agra Fort is an impressive fortress that is worth a visit if you head to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.

Both these historical sites Taj Mahal and Agra Fort can be covered in a day leaving you enough time to head back to Delhi in time for late night dinner.